My husband and I frequently share tidbits from books we’re reading. Sometimes the tidbits he shares with me let me know that he’s run across a book I need to read too.
Unoffendable by Brant Hansen was one such book. So, today I’m going to see if I can remember how to write a book review so I can share this book with you as well!
The premise is very simple and is actually stated on the back cover: “What if we decided not to be offended?” The style of the book itself is just as simple, at least in regards to readability. It’s one of those engaging, enjoyable, quick reads with perfectly sized chapters and subsections.
The content of Unoffendable, though, is far from simple. Hansen argues that our anger and quick offense are not the useful tools we think they are. To be honest, I had some of the same responses that he reports receiving from other critics: Are there not legitimate times to be angry? Are there not times when taking offense spurs us to action? Do we not fall into the trap of ambivalence if we refuse to become angry about injustice?
Hansen would answer “no” to every one of those questions, backing up his perspective with a combination of solid biblical support and personal experience. He isn’t just preaching a theoretical sermon. He’s sharing what he has learned from his own study of the Word of God, as well as his experience of living out the lessons he’s learned.
Ultimately, two points in Hansen’s arguments hit home most strongly and bring the rest of the book into focus for me. The first is his discussion on righteous anger, questioning our ability to truly handle our anger in a righteous manner with no sin. If we stop and think about it, are we really able to be angry and not sin? Or is that perhaps only something God can accomplish?
The second is his perspective that anger frequently does not drive us to positive action. It leads us to talk a big talk and make sure to air our opinions. But, action that fights against injustice more faithfully emerges from love and compassion than from anger.
In sharing the lessons that God has been teaching him, Hansen is honest and open. He is not afraid to admit his own poor responses and foibles. He’s in no way claiming to have it all figured out. Instead, he’s excited about the peace and growth that have come from taking this one step of obedience, and he wants others to know the same peace and growth.
Unoffendable has not cured me of being offended or angry. But it has made me stop and notice. And the noticing has been rather uncomfortable. But that’s the way of conviction and growth, and I definitely want to grow more. I’m thankful for Hansen’s willingness to share his own growth to help us better process God’s teaching on how we as His children should handle our anger.
